Project

Workplace safety in the sustainable development industry – GOSH

We assess the risks posed by materials, chemicals, and new types of work processes used in the green transition industry. We approach the subject from a multidisciplinary perspective, combining occupational hygiene, the humanities, and occupational medicine. We carry out risk assessments using innovative methods, such as the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) toolkit for chemical safety and the HF-Tool™ for modelling industrial work processes and the activities of individuals, groups, and organizations. As a result, the project will produce concrete guidelines and tips to improve occupational safety, supporting workplaces during the green transition.

Timetable

2/2026–6/2028

Objectives

Industries worldwide are actively developing innovations that improve production efficiency and reduce environmental impact. However, new technologies can pose risks to employees' health. The changes related to the green transition must be carried out sustainably and safely. This means that the changes also consider the risks posed by the new technologies as well as the potentially changing behaviour of people and organizations.

Design is guided by the Safe and Sustainable by Design toolkit

The Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) toolbox is a collection of tools that support the fulfilment of sustainability and safety requirements. Tools can streamline work processes, making them safer and more sustainable for people and the environment. The toolkit is developed as part of the PARC consortium project.

The HF-Tool™ takes the human into account

The HF-Tool™ model helps you find the relevant human factors that affect safety. These include matters related to work and to the activities of individuals, groups, and organizations that affect occupational safety, employee health, and the smooth flow of work. The HF-Tool™ is used in workplaces with employees to analyse and anticipate incidents and accidental injuries and to foster a safety culture.

Data and methods

We study changes in process and work design and their effects on workplace safety and chemical exposure during the green transition. The study is carried out in co-operation with the participating companies. We combine the modelling methods of the SSbD toolkit with occupational hygiene measurements to assess chemical exposures. In addition, we utilize the HF-Tool™ for work development, and occupational health co-operation practices in proactive occupational safety management.

Results and impact

Early consideration of workplace risks improves safety. The project produces new knowledge that

promotes occupational safety in industrial workplaces.
supports proactive management of occupational safety risks related to the green transition.

We apply the SSbD toolkit to examine changes in working environments associated with green industrial process changes, as well as occupational safety in these processes. We also take human factors into account. This provides us with new opportunities to promote human-centric occupational safety from the planning stage onward. We compile this project's results into recommendations that can be used extensively in Finnish industrial workplaces.